Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that offer distinct tactile experiences. The Gateron Ink Box Pink, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth action and lighter typing feel, delivering a higher-pitched clack that adds an element of auditory delight to each keystroke. Users who appreciate a silky and polished experience may gravitate toward this switch for its comfortable feedback and appealing sound profile. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, provides not just a bright and clacky acoustics, but also superior performance tailored for those upgrading their Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. This switch is ideal for individuals seeking enhanced typing feedback and optimal sound production, marking it as a favorite among keyboard aficionados. While both switches present exciting possibilities, each caters to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Pink and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches offer distinct auditory experiences, largely influenced by the materials used in their top housings. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, yielding a sound profile that's noted for its pointed and high-pitched characteristics. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. This material inherently produces a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffness which allows for a more resonant acoustics. While both switches deliver higher-pitched sound profiles, the Ink Box Pink is described as "clacky," which suggests a somewhat softer and less piercing quality compared to the more pronounced clarity of the magnetic jade’s polycarbonate, resulting in different sensory experiences when typing.
Turning to their bottom housings, a contrasting effect emerges. The Ink Box Pink utilizes the same proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, ensuring that the sound profile retains that pointed and clacky tone throughout. Meanwhile, the Magnetic Jade is equipped with a nylon bottom housing that tends to absorb sound better due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing, contrasting with the higher-pitched tones of the Ink Box Pink. Therefore, while the Ink Box Pink maintains its overall sound profile, the Magnetic Jade introduces a rounder acoustic experience, influenced by the different sound absorption properties inherent in the materials used for the bottom housings.
The interplay between the top and bottom housing materials significantly alters the feel and auditory feedback of each switch. For the Ink Box Pink, the consistent use of the INK blend across both housings ensures a unified sound experience where both the bottom-out and release sounds share similar qualities. On the other hand, the Magnetic Jade’s use of differing materials results in a dichotomy where the sharper sound of the polycarbonate top conflicts with the deeper resonant sound signature provided by the nylon bottom. Consequently, though both switches provide higher-pitched auditory feedback, the nuances in their material composition lead to distinct typing sensations, allowing enthusiasts to select switches that align closely with their individual preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch with the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, notable distinctions arise in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Pink features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option for those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light and favored by users who prefer a less strenuous keypress. Consequently, the Ink Box Pink is the heavier option between the two, likely appealing to typists who seek a tactile feel while typing or gaming, while the Magnetic Jade is ideal for those who type for long periods and prefer a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, the Ink Box Pink offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Magnetic Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. As such, the Ink Box Pink provides a deeper actuation feel, making it more suitable for users who enjoy the tactile feedback associated with longer travel distances. On the other hand, the Magnetic Jade's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation. Ultimately, while both switches can accommodate different preferences in feel and performance, the Ink Box Pink is the longer option, allowing for a more deliberate key press, whereas the Magnetic Jade delivers a more immediate response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Pink has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Pink for $7.65.
The Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches are characterized by their high-pitched clack that creates a sharp, crisp auditory presence during typing. This brightness contributes to a lively sound profile that many users find engaging and enjoyable. When comparing this to the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches, which are also noted for their bright and clacky sound, both switches deliver a lively acoustic experience. While the Ink Box Pink may offer a slightly different texture to the sound, due to the distinct construction and materials, both types showcase a clattering nature that could energize your typing rhythm. Ultimately, while the tones might differ slightly, users can expect similar vibrant, percussive sounds from both switches.
Regarding tactile feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink is celebrated for its silky smoothness and polished experience, allowing for effortless key presses. This smooth typing sensation is achieved through quality materials and potentially factory lubrication, reducing friction and enhancing overall comfort. In contrast, information about the feel of the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches remains unspecified. However, users might anticipate a different typing experience given their design focus on providing a superior performance with a hall effect mechanism, which likely results in a different tactile response that could cater to more specialized preferences.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Magnetic Jade switches offer distinct yet potentially complementary qualities in sound and feel. While the Ink Box Pink stands out for its silky texture and high-pitched auditory feedback, the Magnetic Jade switches promise a similarly bright sound, albeit with an unknown tactile characteristic. This comparison reveals that if you're seeking vibrant audio feedback and smooth operation, both switches can be excellent choices depending on your specific preferences for acoustic and tactile experiences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, your choice should ultimately align with your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force and are drawn to a silky and polished typing experience, the Ink Box Pink is an excellent option that offers a higher-pitched clack and a lighter feel, making it ideal for typing and gaming where responsiveness is crucial. On the other hand, if you’re excited about a slightly lower bottom-out force and are looking for a brighter, clacky sound that enhances your acoustic experience, the Magnetic Jade would be your go-to switch. This switch is particularly appealing if you're investing in a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard to maximize its capabilities. In essence, choose the Ink Box Pink for a smooth, engaging typing experience, and opt for the Magnetic Jade for exceptional acoustics and a slightly lighter touch. Your ultimate satisfaction will hinge on aligning these characteristics with how you use your keyboard day-to-day.
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